The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1887-11-24
Reply to "H."

as the views OF correspondent, VINO aloile
is responsible. In the oxford IOrcatsght
of November 10th, find an article over
the signature of H. which is little
amusing despite the unpleasant humor the
writer manifeStS. ''iI'' starts out with Il
suggestion" to the Richmond & Danyiile
railroad company, just as if he thought 1t
could scotch the wheels of their gigantic
movements and bring it in submission to
his expressed wishes. "U' next proceeds
to arraign them for violation at least of
the spirit of the contract, and says the
Oxford d GAINESVILLE road was designed to
| be built in the interest Of Oxford. VINO
50 designed it? Who supposes that u
wealthy company making its money by at
tending to its own business in its own way,
did not have all eye To their own interest iii
its construction III" talks about "build-
ing the road in the interest of another town
and sacrificing Oxford for Henderson.
1t would be Il sacrifice indeed if the power
full syndicate had to circumscribe its vast
operations $ in the interest of Oxford. ,"
WHO would have thought after the zeal
Shown by the writer inthe donation cleo
lion, and the JOY he showed at the result
that lie would 50 soon wish to kick out of
The traces, and arraign his invited benefac-
tors fer a supposed violation of their con-
tract? But such is human nature. This
article reminds practical minds so much OF
the inipracticable ideas of visionary
''SchOol boy"
1t was urged as reason why donation
should be voted in the election in Oxford,
We don't want any dealings w tn the X.
* q. railroad, we have been oppressed by
them long enough, we want to get As cheap
rates of freight as Henderson has" But
now the complaints seem to be that Hen
derSon will be accommodated a little in
the movement, and that too without the
burden Of Il heavy debt for the favor. Well,
if she foresaw the inevitable result, and
pruicntly awaited its accomplishment,
might YOU not, at least give her credit for
her >agacity and prudence in the matter?
The road would have been built to Oxford
much sooner had no. the company thought
! they might get a donation" out of her by
little delay on their part. And they got
it, and lett Oxford a way station, as conf
pletely in the power of the company, and
as pOWerieSS to resist, as pnssom with its
tail stuck in the split stick Of a negro pos
som hunter. But have no doubt but what
she Will be greatly benefited, and u liberal
spirit be shown by the Richmond & Dam
vile railroad company.
The writer actually talks about falling
back in the arms of the Raleigh q Castor
company for protection, if the new corners
don't conform more to the wishes of the
people that invited them there. Il" talks
like he is willing to make them lose the
Oxford freights' if they don't beiI we more
in conformity with their notions. That will
her products by any route than the one she
has? Borne down by heavy taxation, she
IS in no condition to vote further donations
for roads, without Overburdening and
breaking the cameIS back. The writer
says in case we get a connection with the
Raleigh & Ga>tOn road, the Oxford &
Clarksville will get the Henderson, but
lose the Oxford frtights." No doubt the
much abused and kind mother would for
give her erring children and carry their
freights very cheerfully, but how can they
get their products from oxford to IIender
Son to be shipped on the Raleigh & CASTOR
road? DO they suppose that Robinson will
incur the heavy expense of a road to Ok
ford to Oblige people who have shown
such disposition to crush him? How can
he depend on their good will and support?
The writer complains because Oxford
has paid, or is to pay, about 100000, or
more. to give Henderson the 9 competing
line" Die he not know that the company
owning road from Oxford to Henderson,
that cost about 5000, 900, would use it in their
interest in getting the freights of so inn
portant place as Henderson? The road
from Keysville to Henderson was built at
a considerable outlay of money to the COM
pany, and they can't afford to lose such
feeder as Henderson to crafty the feelings
of the GXoBians. There are points to which
wealthy and far-seeing syndicates look and
bend their steps to promote their interest,
and Henderson in her growth and pros
prrity has become q point of attraction to
railroad enterprise. The writer asks what
interest will cur people have in the Hem
derSon road? nothing will be shipped by us
over the Henderson road. Who cares
whether you do or not? Henderson can
make her own selection Of routes just as
her interest may dictate. But Oxford like
''lSSachar crouching down between two
burdens, desires rest, and bows her
shoulders a servant to tribute
E Iy-h nr IN Il nnnG
dence" she loses the 800, 900 She voted, she
must bear it as patiently as she can in pay
ing the taxes. If she voted it cheerfully
/ to cut lose from the Raleigh & CASTOR
road, and get cheaper rates, and has ac-
complished her aim, why complain? The
! Ricllmond & Danville road has gratified
/ your wishes by taking your donation and
giving you cheaper rates, and now don't
| complain because she wants to secure such
an important feeder as Henderson to her
road. " hat has Henderson done to awaken
feelings of bitterness in the breast Of less
! favored towns against her? If she has
! natural and acquired advantages, should
she not wisely improve them i'll her rapid
: growth and prosperity? 1t was said of the
children Of Israel while in Egypt with the
eye Of a kind Providence looking to their
safely and protection, The more they
afflicted them, the more they multiplied
and grew Such is the history of Hender-
son. From her earliest history she has been
ridieuled and malgned by those making
futile efforts to Outstrip her, until in her
growth, stability and prosperity she has
become the point to which railroad builders
bend their energies. Henderson will take
care Of herself and steadily advance in
prosperity and influence despite the efforts
of little envious minds to push her down.
The writer II" says the Richmond &,
/ Danville company actually paid 5000 for
an acre of land i'm Henderson on which to
build depot, while Oxford is expected
to furnish depot for nothing" If she
wishes to be heavily taxed TO benefit a
powerful syndicate with its millions, she
can do SO as far as Henderson is concerned.
! We shall not lift our voice against it. The
one acre of land was the property of an
individual that was under no obligation to
part with it without getting pay for it, The
company was able and willing to pay for
the property, and they did it cheerfully.
Why should the writer complain because
one property owner chooses to get the
worth Of his property before parting with
it, and another chooses to give his away
enable a rich and powerful company to buy
depot III sister town she certainly can
have the privilege of doing so. But what
can she gain by finding fault with those
that receive it? If an improvident man
wishes to show off by throwing his money
away, he can always find more prudent
and pyOYident ones to receive and take care
of it.
In conclusion, will say to the writer
"H, Gin patience possess We yoxr soul.
If you have made a mistake in SupposinC
Henderson would derive no benefit from
, your munifcence, there is nothing to be
made 10y fretting over it. You voted yOul
money to obtain as cheap rates as Hender
son had. and you will probably get YOU